Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elk & Embers is perfectly situated as our Resort is next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 square miles of ancient mountains, cascading waterfalls, and old-growth forests. As America's most visited national park, the Smokies provide endless opportunities for exploration—from easy waterfall hikes like Laurel Falls to challenging summit trails, scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road, and wildlife viewing where black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer roam freely.
Experience the Elk
Western North Carolina has numerous opportunities to experience the wonder of nature, including our famous elk.We can assist you in booking a private tour to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat or you can drive to Cataloochee Valley on your own. Expert guides share insights about elk behavior, the restoration program, and the valley's rich Appalachian history while you witness these magnificent animals grazing in open meadows against a backdrop of the Smokies. The best viewing occurs during fall's rutting season when bulls bugle and spar, though elk are visible year-round in this pristine mountain sanctuary.
Waterfalls & Wild Rivers
Waynesville sits at the heart of Western North Carolina's waterfall country, where hundreds of cascades plunge through moss-covered gorges and wild rivers carve their way through ancient mountains. Within minutes of town, you'll find everything from roadside waterfalls perfect for a quick stop to remote backcountry cascades accessible only by trail, each fed by the region's abundant rainfall and dramatic elevation changes that make this corner of the Appalachians one of the most water-rich landscapes in the eastern United States.
Downtown Waynesville
Downtown Waynesville's Main Street feels like a mountain town should... walkable, locally-owned, and genuinely welcoming. You'll find an eclectic mix of boutiques, mountain themed stores, and artisan galleries alongside excellent restaurants and breweries like Boojum Brewing, where you can grab a pint on the patio after exploring the shops. The dining scene ranges from upscale farm-to-table spots to casual mountain fare, with live music often drifting from venues and outdoor patios on weekends.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs just minutes from Elk & Embers, with multiple overlooks and trailheads accessible within a 10-minute drive from our Resort. Whether you're chasing sunrise from high-elevation pull-offs, hiking through hemlock forests, or cruising past Mount Pisgah, America's most scenic drive becomes your gateway to experiencing the Southern Appalachians at their most breathtaking. Fall brings legendary leaf-peeping, but spring wildflowers and winter's stark beauty offer equally compelling reasons to explore.
More to Explore...
There's no shortage of things to do in Waynesville and Maggie Valley! Take a kayak tour or stroll around Lake Junaleska, get your thrill on either zorbing or ziplining, or experience the fun of white water rafting in the Nantahala River. Love golf? Choose from several golf courses in the area, ranging in difficulty. Prefer something different? Waynesville and Maggie Valley have a plethora of antique shops, and there's always fun to be had on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Love to fish? Trout fishing abounds year-round, and we would be happy to arrange you a guided tour. Got kiddos? There's a local gem mining outfit in Maggie Valley, or Winchester Creek Farm has alpacas you can visit!